DOG owners who fail to clear up their pets' mess will face a fine of £80 from the beginning of August.

Durham County Council's cabinet has approved a Dog Control Order that will cover the entire county, replacing the patchwork of regulations and penalties that operated under the now-defunct seven district councils.

People caught breaching the rules will face a fixed penalty of £80, which will be discounted to £50 if it is paid within 14 days.

The land to which the rules apply will be extended to include footpaths, rights of way, and roads with a speed limit above 40mph, making it an offence to foul and not pick up on almost all public space.

Councillor Brian Stephens, Cabinet Portfolio Member for Neighbourhoods and Local Partnerships, said: "We have responded to local people's concerns with dog fouling across the county by reviewing and changing our approach in dealing with a minority of irresponsible dog owners.

"Dog mess is unpleasant and unsightly. Leaving dogs' mess in public places where people picnic and children play carries a health risk. It is the responsibility of every dog owner to ensure that any fouling by their dog is removed, bagged and placed in one of the bins provided."

The council says that dog muck is a cause of toxocarosis and that it will combine enforcement with education to encourage owners to obey the law.